Report: Nickel ‘all in’ on starting pro career

This was rumored after he was sent to Cleveland as part of the Peyton Watson trade, and now it’s official. The 2023 first-round pick will be looking for a new home after suiting up in 21 games for the Wizards last season prior to suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in December.

Sent to Minnesota along with Cody Williams in exchange for Josh Green, Konchar will not play a game for the Timberwolves. Limited to 26 games last season due to injuries, Konchar averaged 5.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 26.2 minutes. Depending on whether he can sign with another NBA team, Konchar can provide value at various points in a season in category leagues. However, that isn’t enough to make him a player worth drafting in most leagues.

The Timberwolves made this deal to free up cap space, likely to sign a veteran who’s a good locker-room presence. The tenth overall pick in the 2024 draft, Williams struggled to carve out a role for himself as a rookie but did show signs of improvement last season. Starting 41 of the 67 games he appeared in, the 6-foot-7 wing averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.3 minutes in 2025-26. Adding Williams gives the Timberwolves a little more depth on the wing, but it will be challenging for him to land a role that will make him fantasy-relevant.

Acquired from the Hornets as part of the LaMelo Ball trade, Green never got to actually suit up for the Timberwolves. He appeared in 58 games for the Hornets last season, averaging 4.3 points in 15.7 minutes. While Green can be a capable perimeter defender for the Jazz, his game won’t impact fantasy basketball. Trading Green’s contract gives the Timberwolves the room needed to make Jonathan Kuminga’s signing official.

At the time of his injury, Furphy was emerging as one of the few bright spots in the Pacers’ 2025-26 campaign, having started 18 straight games and producing at a higher level. Unfortunately, the injury ended the former second-round pick’s season. Furphy, who has added strength according to Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan, said recently that he’s in a good place with his rehab, but he still hasn’t been cleared to resume 5-on-5 activities. When asked for a potential timeline for that clearance, the 6-foot-9 wing was unsure. With Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) available, Furphy is one of the players who would benefit from the point guard’s return once he’s allowed to play. However, only dynasty league managers should be considering Furphy in drafts this fall.

Miller, who missed 13 games early last season after suffering a subluxation of his left shoulder, underwent surgery in May to address instability in the area. While he still has not been fully cleared to resume basketball activities, the 6-foot-7 wing is making strides in his recovery. “It’s going good, going good,” Miller told the Charlotte Observer. “I’m getting stronger. That’s all I can ask for. The stronger I get, the more mobile I am with the shoulder and that is the most important thing.” With the Hornets moving on from LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges this summer, Miller’s role will expand next season, raising his fantasy ceiling.

The 28th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Terry spent his first three-plus seasons in Chicago before being moved multiple times at the February trade deadline. Acquired by the Knicks, he would be moved again on the same day as part of the trade that sent Jose Alvarado to New York. Subsequently waived by the Pelicans, Terry agreed to a two-way deal with the 76ers before finishing the season on a standard deal. In 48 combined appearances for the Bulls and 76ers, Terry averaged 3.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 11.5 minutes per game. No longer eligible for a two-way contract, he’ll compete for one of the Warriors’ final standard contract slots in training camp.

While specifics of the deal were not provided, Richards will likely earn the veteran’s minimum next season. Between Phoenix and Chicago, the former second-round pick appeared in 48 games last season, averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.6 minutes. While Richards gives the Heat more size in the frontcourt, he’s unlikely to be in a position to impact fantasy basketball in 2026-27.

Not selected in June’s draft after two quality seasons at George Washington, Castro was initially reported to have signed with the Bucks on a two-way deal. However, the deal was never finalized, opening the door for Castro to sign with the Rockets. To make room for Castro, the Rockets have waived two-way guard Tristen Newton.

The 49th overall pick in the 2026 draft, Hopkins had a productive Summer League run in Las Vegas. The former St. John’s standout has been rewarded with a two-way deal, and there could be times during the season when he’s called upon to provide added depth on the wing. While worthy of a look in dynasty leagues, there’s no need to consider Hopkins in redraft formats during draft season.